Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

[lokonn]

Looking for some insight. Have gotten admirals approval to look at and acquire new outboard. For me it seems to be down to 115 Optimax or 115 E-tec. Pricing so far has E-tec at approx 3k more. Like the winterization feature, like the clean emissions for trolling. Optimax 3k less, like. Dealers everywhere, like. Motor will be on 1987 Blue Fin Sportsman 1900. Don't have the need to be fastest boat on water. Fishing boat on inland lakes and some great lakes fishing as well. Thoughts and comments greatly appreciated as long as it doesn't turn to bashing. Boat is max rated at 150hp. Original/current motor 125hp Force. Looking for reliability, don't want to be screwingwith or fixing something every time I want to go out. Looking forward to hearing your opinions.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

Both motors are great, and both motors will be a vast improvement over the Force 125. The E-Tec has its fans, and the Optimax has it's own fans for sure. I have personally owned an Optimax 150, and I loved the motor. Very powerful, and she really screamed. Dealer support was not an issue. I have always been intrigued by the E-Tec however. No personal experience, but I am sure someone will weigh in.

With either motor, you can't go wrong.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

Check local Dealer support for E-tec. We have 1 dealer within a 100 mile radius and the numbers you see on the water reflect that.

Where as Yamaha, Suzuki and Merc dealers are a dime a dozen.

Having said that, there are 5 yamaha for every Merc. Lots of Suzuki as well

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

The way I understand the technology behind those DI motors, is that Optimax uses high pressure air to force gasoline into the combustion chamber, and e-TEC uses a high pressure fuel pump to force gasoline into the combustion chamber. So with the technology pretty much the same, it is a toss up.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

Can't speak for the Merc.
But the Etec has no break in period,No service required for 3 years or 300 hours.
Made in the US.
105 cu.in. Merc is 84.
It is said that you can't substitute for displacement.

 

[joe423]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

One of the e-tec's positive points are that it can start without a battery. Can you do that to the Optimax as well?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

The way I understand the technology behind those DI motors, is that Optimax uses high pressure air to force gasoline into the combustion chamber, and e-TEC uses a high pressure fuel pump to force gasoline into the combustion chamber. So with the technology pretty much the same, it is a toss up.

I disagree. Very different technology.

The Optimax uses a mechanical high pressure air pump. One more mechanical thing to go wrong. Plus it it belt driven. If that pump quits, you are dead in the water.

Both use a high pressure fuel pump, very similar to what is in your car, between the lift pump and the injector. Only the Yamaha HPDI used a special very high pressure pump.

The ETEC injector build high pressure internal to the injector. If an ETEC injector quits, you should be able to limp home on the others

The other big benefit with ETEC is using Evinrude XD-100 oil you can have the dealer program the engine to use 100:1 oil ratio.

Having said all this, $3k is a lot of cash !

 

[lokonn]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

I really appreciate the info and opinions! Still looking at things. Like everybody I want to use the boat when I want to use the boat. Trying to minimize the voice in my head about what could go wrong or the last problem that got fixed or stopped happening. The dollars for these outboards is substainial, at least in my book. I know you are never going to eliminate all problems. Both make big claims, and I'm trying to sift thru advertising vs. real world. My wifes vehicle says oil only needs to be changed every 7500 miles. Not worth the gamble to me. Still changing every 3 to 4k. Am I really not gonna check gear case oil until 3 yrs, prolly not. The winterization feature, definite plus. The extra speed on the Merc, nice. More merc dealers than Evinrude, plus. Doesn't mean I want to get to know them all though. Still a toss up. May justcome down to $. Anyone know of Evinrude dealer that creams everyones prices? Got wind of a Merc dealer 500 miles south of me that is 2k cheaper on same set up as local guy. Even with $500 for gas, lodging and meals it is $1500 cheaper. Continuing to shop and sort out details. Keep info/opinions coming.

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

Tell the local guy of price difference.???

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

Tell the local guy of price difference.???

For sure. Give the local guy a chance to beat the price at least. You will not be sorry, and he/she would really appreciate the business.

 

[lokonn]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

Didn't want to start price negotiations until brand is figured out. Will definitely be talking to local guy before pulling trigger.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

I don't think you could go wrong with either. I have e-tec on the snowmobile and will tell ya it's really cool, and dependable as ever. For a 2 stroke, and the low emissions, I am very impressed, and would buy the marine in a heartbeat. Remember resale too, premium outboard might make a difference too.

Oh and one of my boats has Merc strapped on back, so go figure. I'd buy the bigger more powerful if everything else was equal.

 

[oldandintheway]

Re: Optimax vs. E-tec 115hp

Last time I checked the E-tec was much lighter than the Merc.